Welcome to my Blog. ShuckerPaddy's my name, oyster shuckin's the game.
Oysters & shellfish, sustainable seafood, organics, natural and wild stock fish, land food, and seasonal vegetables.
Shuckin' and Jivin' with the world of the oyster.
Music, special events, shucking contests, photography, & world travel for the best in ocean fare, and shucking good times.
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Friday, July 10, 2009

Hello all, Patrick here. Sorry for the long, pregnant pause - several months methinks. I've been putting together the Ceili Cottage. A lovely little Irish Local at 1301 Queen Street East in Toronto, and it's been open now for 16 days.

We opened is such a last minute hurry, that I didn't get so far as to hang pictures on the wall yet, and only just got the music system working yesterday, so we have a ways to go before The Cottage is done. I think that most cottages are like that though.

I will post the stories of how this all came about, from Starfish to the Cottage, and back again. More for me to write down the stories, but for those folks who are interested in this part of the Restaurant world. I would love some feedback, or questions, as I will be answering questions on line as well, so let them roll in...

In the mean time, a shellfish update.

The Oyster is entering its spawning time on the east coast, and some of the west. That means fat, plump sweet-creamy textures, that some people love, but is not for everyone. The summer changes are short in nature, about two to four weeks, and those who buy oysters will adjust supply based on the spawn time.

At the moment, PEI oysters are looking great!!

- Howard's Cove - are coming in with a full meaty texture, and a wonderful brine. The gills are streaked with green, which would cause most folks to run screaming, BUT, if you are in the know (and I'm telling you now, so get the pencils out) the green gills are stuffed full of algae (phytoplankton) that has seen enough sunlight to stimulate the chlorophyll to a gorgeous blue-green. Flavour-wise, the oyster is very bright in oceany salts, and sweets with a hint of the grassy vegetation it is eating. Can't get better than this. I try to buy green oysters wherever I can. This oyster probably has 4-6 weeks until the spawn cycle hits so enjoy where you can.

- Green Gables - fantastic oyster from New London Bay, PEI. Green on the outside, means flavour on the inside, Plump and meaty, not as green as the Howard's, but just as flavourful.

I'm just waiting on my west coast beauties to arrive - Beach Angels, and Marina's Top Drawers, as well as the Weathervane scallops, then I will report on those.

About Me

World Champion Oyster Shucker-2001, Guinness Book of World Record holder of 33 oysters opened in 1 minute,
Restauranteur- owner of Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill, based in Toronto, Canada
Have a family of my wife, and two kids.
Happy to chat about sustainable seafood, and the art of oyster shucking, over the bar at Starfish, or right here if you can't make it. Or read my book - Consider the Oyster - A Shucker's Field Guide

The Ceili Cottage

After work at Starfish, ShuckerPaddy is busy shucking at The Ceili Cottage, an Irish Local.

Like the name implies, The Cottage will be an intamate spot for authentic Irish fare, of food, drink, music, and good old "craic".

There will be a 40 seat patio come summeritme, to accompany the 60 seat Bar & Cottage, where you will find up to 12 taps, local, and Irish food - oysters, mussels, salmon, cured country ham, cheese, veg.

Trivia nights, live music, Literature, Hurling (and other sports on the tele), The Ceili Kilt Club, Matchmaker - ShuckerPaddy will lend a hand on a nightly basis, festivals, fun and frolicking.

1301 Queen Street East, the Heart of Leslieville, Toronto

www.ceilicottage.com

Consider The Oyster - A Shucker's Field Guide

If you want to learn about the Oyster, I've been told that this is a great read - I wrote it as if I was talking across the bar. I cover the 5 species that we can enjoy here in North America. How the oyster grows and lives, how to shuck, and care for them, and great places across the globe, to enjoy a drop of the sea.

"Consider..." is available on Amazon.com, and at Starfish in English, German, and Dutch editions.